OBJECTIVES: I. Compare the anti-tumor efficacy of two treatment schedules of lurtotecan liposome, in terms of clinical/radiological response and CA125 tumor marker, in patients with previously treated advanced or recurrent ovarian epithelial cancer. II. Compare the safety, pharmacokinetics, and possible pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships of these treatment schedules in these patients. III. Compare the time to progression in patients treated with these treatment schedules.